Martin Ferris
Ceist:76 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Finance if alternative sites to Donaghmede Shopping Centre were examined prior to the decision to locate the proposed probation centre there. [23713/03]
Adjournment Debate. - Probation and Welfare Service.
Martin Ferris
Ceist:77 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Finance the criteria that were employed in deciding to choose Donaghmede Shopping Centre as the location for the proposed probation centre. [23714/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 77 together.
The probation and welfare service was very anxious to acquire new accommodation to enable it to meet the demands being placed on it in the general area of Donaghmede. The second floor of the shopping centre at Donaghmede was chosen, when it became available, on the basis that its location was considered ideally suitable by the probation and welfare service. No other sites acceptable to the probation and welfare service were available in the area at the relevant time.